DOH warns of fake Malasakit Center loan page

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) cautioned the public against a Facebook page claiming to be a “loan center” of the office that oversees Malasakit Centers. 

In an advisory issued Tuesday, the DOH said the Facebook page called “Malasakit Center Loan Assistance” is fake. 

“[It] is not in any way or form affiliated with the Malasakit Center,” the health department said, referring to centers within government hospitals that provide medical and financial assistance to indigent and financially incapacitated patients. 

Malasakit Centers also facilitate patient navigation and referral.

The Malasakit Program Office, an office under the DOH, manages and coordinates the operations of these centers.

The DOH warned that those behind the fake page could face criminal charges if related posts persist. 

“The DOH continues to enjoin the public to source information only from legitimate sources and platforms such as the health department,” it said. — Gaea Katreena Cabico